An Integrated Approach to Evaluating Single-Layer Reinforced Soils

Abstract

A new procedure for evaluating the load capacity of single-layer reinforced soils is presented. Slippage between the reinforcement and the granular fill is considered in the analysis. This procedure incorporates two important membrane support contributions, namely normal stress membrane support and interfacial shear stress membrane support. The improved subgrade capacity due to the membrane-induced reduction in shear stresses at the top of the subgrade is also captured. Using this procedure, it is demonstrated that a significant membrane contribution can be developed even for cases in which proper anchorage is not provided. The derived expression satisfies both vertical and horizontal force equilibrium along the reinforcement. The proposed analytical procedure was validated by comparing the analytical results to the results from small-scale model tests performed by others. The potential usefulness of the proposed procedure is illustrated by using the resulting equations to evaluate the performance of an embankment supported on a soft foundation overlain by a reinforcing layer.